WA POTATOES
SmartSpud
™
trials continue
F
ollowing a successful application for funding to the APC PPC in 2020, the Potato Growers Association purchased a SmartSpud™ device for industry use.
A SmartSpud™ is an electronic potato shaped device, which is used to gauge points along the harvest/supply chain system where potatoes are potentially being damaged, in order to improve processes and increase potato quality and pack out. Following initial testing and training by Georgia and Morena in 2020, a User Agreement has been developed for
potato industry members to access the device. The agreement requiring members to undertake practice under supervision before the device can be borrowed.
The device has already been used to investigate impact points in a wash packer process, and in August this year commenced on-farm testing of the harvest process. f A SmartSpud™ is an electronic potato shaped device, which is used to gauge points along the harvest/supply chain system where potatoes are potentially being damaged.
According to Aaggrrii, the SmartSpud™ can reduce crop damage by up to 50 per cent on the first use. Other benefits include:
SmartSpud™ can reduce crop damage by up to 50 per cent on the first use.
· Reduce bruising and damage by as much as 50 per cent. · Improve line efficiencies, targeting downtime and maintenance. · Test new equipment in quick time. · Measure levels of damage through all stages of processing. · Make data-driven decisions. Feedback from activities have been communicated to the manufacturer to enable improvements to be made to the device and considered for any future updates. MORE INFORMATION For any questions or to book the device please email Morena at morena@ wapotatoes.com.au.
WA Grower SPRING 2021
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